University of Alabama puts the 'wow' in its Week of Welcome event for new students

Carnival-style event introduces new students

Olivia Ortiz, a freshman from Sarasota, Fla., picks an embossment for a leather ID bracelet made by Valerie Sgroi of Orlando, Fla., during the Week of Welcome event at Coleman Coliseum on Sunday.

Erin Nelson | The Tuscaloosa News

By Lydia Seabol Avant Staff Writer | The Tuscaloosa News

Published: Monday, August 19, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, August 18, 2013 at 9:58 p.m.

At least 3,000 students gathered at Coleman Coliseum on Sunday night to ride bumper cars, test out a zip line and eat free food being given away by Tuscaloosa restaurants.

The carnival-style event was part of the kickoff for the “week of welcome,” meant to introduce freshmen and transfer students to the University of Alabama, said Taylor Johnson, an event programmer with University Programs, a student-run program organization that was the event's lead sponsor.

As part of the event, Moe's Barbecue, McAlister's, Yogurt Mountain, Baumhower's and other area restaurants handed out free food and desserts. Student organizations had booths lining Coleman Coliseum, ready to inform students about what the university has to offer.

“This is to welcome new freshmen and transfer students and give a first glimpse of what we are all about,” said event programmer Melanie Williams-Hill.

“It's great, because everything is absolutely free,” Johnson said.

UA freshman Nathan Cerice of Birmingham said he's always been an Alabama fan and knew he wanted to go to UA. He attended a pep rally at the WOW event after he found out about it from the resident assistant at his dorm.

“I'm excited about being here,” Cerice said. “It's pretty cool.”

At the event, students could also do face painting, have makeup makeovers, paint ceramic elephants and get free foot massages or back massages.

“This is awesome,” said Deandreia Trunnell, a sophomore from Trussville who transferred from Jefferson State this semester. “I'm ready to start classes this week.”

Although the event was targeted toward freshmen and transfer students, it was open to all students.

“There's always been an event for new students, but we never had it this big,” said Michael Goetsch, a junior from Huntsville. “It's a pretty cool way to get freshmen involved.”

Molly Buff, a senior, agreed.

“Having school-approved bumper cars and a zip line is pretty awesome,” Buff said.

<p>At least 3,000 students gathered at Coleman Coliseum on Sunday night to ride bumper cars, test out a zip line and eat free food being given away by Tuscaloosa restaurants. </p><p>The carnival-style event was part of the kickoff for the “week of welcome,” meant to introduce freshmen and transfer students to the University of Alabama, said Taylor Johnson, an event programmer with University Programs, a student-run program organization that was the event's lead sponsor. </p><p>As part of the event, Moe's Barbecue, McAlister's, Yogurt Mountain, Baumhower's and other area restaurants handed out free food and desserts. Student organizations had booths lining Coleman Coliseum, ready to inform students about what the university has to offer. </p><p>“This is to welcome new freshmen and transfer students and give a first glimpse of what we are all about,” said event programmer Melanie Williams-Hill. </p><p>“It's great, because everything is absolutely free,” Johnson said.</p><p>UA freshman Nathan Cerice of Birmingham said he's always been an Alabama fan and knew he wanted to go to UA. He attended a pep rally at the WOW event after he found out about it from the resident assistant at his dorm. </p><p>“I'm excited about being here,” Cerice said. “It's pretty cool.”</p><p>At the event, students could also do face painting, have makeup makeovers, paint ceramic elephants and get free foot massages or back massages. </p><p>“This is awesome,” said Deandreia Trunnell, a sophomore from Trussville who transferred from Jefferson State this semester. “I'm ready to start classes this week.”</p><p>Although the event was targeted toward freshmen and transfer students, it was open to all students. </p><p>“There's always been an event for new students, but we never had it this big,” said Michael Goetsch, a junior from Huntsville. “It's a pretty cool way to get freshmen involved.” </p><p>Molly Buff, a senior, agreed. </p><p>“Having school-approved bumper cars and a zip line is pretty awesome,” Buff said. </p><p>Classes at UA start Wednesday. </p><p> </p><p>Reach Lydia Seabol Avant at 205-722-0222 or lydia.seabolavant@tuscaloosanews.com.</p><p><p><i>Reach the newsroom at <a href="mailto:news@tuscaloosanews.com">news@tuscaloosanews.com</a> or</p><p>205.722.0189.&nbsp;</i></p></p><p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/TuscaloosaNews" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false" data-size="large">Follow @TuscaloosaNews</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?screen_name=TuscaloosaNews" class="twitter-mention-button" data-size="large" data-related="TuscaloosaNews">Tweet to @TuscaloosaNews</a></p></p>